One of the best ways to discover Spain is through its food. Whether you’re enjoying a seaside meal in Valencia or snacking on tapas in Madrid, Spanish cuisine is rich in tradition, flavor, and heart.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 iconic dishes that every foodie (or curious traveler) should try while in Spain. From savory stews to sweet treats, get ready to indulge in some of Spain’s most beloved culinary experiences.
1. Paella Valenciana
Paella is Spain’s most famous dish—but the original version comes from Valencia. Made with rabbit, chicken, and sometimes snails, it’s cooked in a wide pan with saffron-infused rice and green beans.
For example, seafood paella is more common in coastal areas, but the Valencian version is the real deal.
📍 Best tried in: Valencia
Traditional paella Valenciana served in a shallow pan
2. Pulpo a la Gallega
This Galician classic features boiled octopus sprinkled with coarse sea salt, paprika, and olive oil, typically served on a wooden plate over sliced potatoes.
Moreover, it’s tender, flavorful, and a true showcase of northern Spain’s culinary simplicity.
📍 Best tried in: Santiago de Compostela
Pulpo a la Gallega with olive oil and paprika on a wooden platter
3. Tortilla Española
Spain’s version of the omelette—made with eggs, potatoes, and onions—can be found in bars and homes across the country.
Despite its simplicity, tortilla Española is satisfying, affordable, and beloved.
📍 Best tried in: Everywhere!
Sliced Spanish tortilla Española with potatoes and onions
4. Pan con Tomate
This Catalan staple is simplicity at its finest: toasted bread rubbed with garlic and ripe tomato, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt.
In addition, it’s often served as a tapa or breakfast item.
📍 Best tried in: Barcelona and Catalonia
Pan con tomate on crusty bread with olive oil drizzle
5. Jamón Ibérico
Spain’s most prized cured ham—Jamón Ibérico—is aged for years and sliced paper-thin. The acorn-fed Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is the finest and melts in your mouth.
For a full experience, try it with Manchego cheese and a glass of Rioja wine.
📍 Best tried in: Madrid markets or Andalusian taverns
Thin slices of Jamón Ibérico arranged on a wooden board
6. Fabada Asturiana
This hearty bean stew from Asturias includes fabes (large white beans), morcilla (blood sausage), chorizo, and pork shoulder. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect on a chilly day.
📍 Best tried in: Oviedo or Gijón
Fabada Asturiana stew with chorizo and morcilla in a clay bowl
7. Gambas al Ajillo
Sizzling garlic shrimp in olive oil—served in a small clay dish—is a must-try tapa in Spanish bars. The oil is so flavorful, you’ll want to dip your bread in it.
Tip: Eat it while it’s hot and still bubbling!
📍 Best tried in: Madrid or Seville
8. Pimientos de Padrón
These small green peppers from Galicia are blistered in olive oil and sprinkled with salt. Most are mild, but beware—some are surprisingly spicy!
📍 Best tried in: Northern Spain, especially Galicia
Pimientos de Padrón fried and served on a rustic plate
9. Flan
This smooth caramel custard dessert is light, creamy, and the perfect way to finish a Spanish meal.
Although it’s available across Latin America, Spanish flan has a unique texture and taste you’ll love.
📍 Best tried in: Any Spanish restaurant
Classic Spanish flan with golden caramel sauce
10. Churros con Chocolate
Crispy on the outside and soft inside, churros are usually dipped in thick, hot chocolate. Often eaten for breakfast or late-night snacks after a night out.
📍 Best tried in: San Ginés, Madrid (open since 1894!)
Churros dipped in hot chocolate served on a white plate
Final Tips: Eat Like a Local
- Try the “menu del día” for affordable, multi-course local meals.
- Visit local markets like Mercado de San Miguel (Madrid) or La Boqueria (Barcelona) for fresh samples.
- Always say “¡Buen provecho!” before you start eating—it’s the local way.
Taste the Culture, One Bite at a Time
Exploring Spanish food is like walking through its history and geography—from Galicia’s coastlines to Andalusia’s olive groves.
Curious about where to try regional food specialties? Visit Spain’s official tourism board.
📌 Save this guide, share it with your travel buddies, and start planning your next delicious adventure in Spain.
👉 Want to speak like a local when ordering? Check out our Essential Spanish Phrases for Foodies on SayItInSpanish.org!